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Lactic Acid Bacteria: Bacteria With Health Benefits

Probiotics are living bacteria or other microorganisms which are beneficial to health when consumed. Probiotics can be helpful for gastrointestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are probiotics that have numerous potential therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Recent studies with in vitro cell culture clearly demonstrate the anti-tumor and anti-cancer effects of LAB. Scientific reports indicate that LAB cultures administered to animals inhibit liver, colon, bladder and mammary tumors. (Reference: Lactobacillus Molecular Biology: From Genomics to Probiotics ISBN: 978-1-904455-41-7)

Lactobacillus

The human intestine contains an huge collection of microorganisms. Scientific studies indicate that these gut microbes regulate energy harvest from the diet and participate in the peripheral body metabolism. Most probiotic strains are strains of Lactobacillus. The results of a recent evaluation of the role of probiotic Lactobacillus strains in natural infections in animals and humans indicate a promising future for coming generations of probiotics. Probiotic strains are being thoroughly characterized and it has been suggested that the best results may arise from mixes of probiotic strains with complementary characteristics, tailormade for different gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, strains of Lactobacillus may soon play a role as delivery systems for vaccines, immunoglobulins and other protein based therapies. (Reference: Lactobacillus Molecular Biology: From Genomics to Probiotics ISBN: 978-1-904455-41-7)

Clostridium in Anti-cancer Therapy

The bacterium Clostridium is being considered as an alternative strategies to selectively target and destroy cancer cells especially for the treatment of solid tumors. Scientific research has shown that various non-pathogenic strains of Clostridium have been shown to infiltrate and selectively replicate within solid tumors. Strains of Clostridium could in the future be used to deliver therapeutic proteins directly and specifically to the solid tumor. This potential has been demonstrated in preclinical models. Such tumor-specific therapy is important as the anti-cancer agents need to be targeted specifically to the tumor. However, bacterial systems for tumor-specific therapy has not yet undergone clinical trials. (Reference: Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic Era ISBN: 978-1-904455-38-7)

Recent scientific developments in microbiology at the Microbiology Blog and details of microbiology conferences, meetings, symposia, workshops and advanced courses at Microbiology Conference

While there are many unfounded claims that state they have the newest cure for various forms of cancer, the reality is that none of them have shown reputed scientific studies to support their claims.

There are, however, some herbal combinations that can be combined with traditional medicine that have shown promise. A prime example is bloodroot and skin cancer. The Native Americans along Lake Superior were the first reported ones to use the sap of the herb on skin cancerous growths with documented success. In “Medical botany” they state their have been successful cases using the herb in treating both breast cancer and superficial cancerous growths.

A traditional beverage known to nearly every man is coffee. coffee enemas have been prescribed for cancer in many areas around the world. Though this is not scientifically proven; it is known that caffeine is a stimulate that reacts with the nervous system and may in fact open blood flow while stimulate the immune system in a variety of ways. It is currently being studied at various Universities to determine how and if this claim can be confirmed.

In Germany and Australia there is an extract called V.album which is made from mistletoe that is currently being used to treat certain tumorous cancers with some reported success. Dr. James Duke describes the new research results as a study in which laboratory settings were able to treat cancer cells individually with the same extract of mistletoe. The danger is that if not done properly mistletoe is toxic.

Tropical Periwinkle is one of those gifts from nature. Currently Eli Lilly and Company has been conducting studies with the herb and has produced two drugs known world wide as Velban and Oncovin to treat cancer. The Vinblastine sulfate is known to treat Hodgkin’s disease and choriocarcinoma. Vincristine which is the alkaloid found in the herb is also used to treat childhood leukemia and breast cancer. When these two parts are administered together, they have shown a 43 percent beneficial result with patients with malignant lymphoma. Although the benefits are immense, there is a danger of toxicity and your doctor should be involved in treatment with this herb.

While herbs can be additive to curing cancer in some cases, the far more beneficial effects can be obtained in using herbal medicine for the additive benefits. It is thought that nearly one in every three Americans will get some form of cancer. Cancer is not a single entity with a certain cause but rather a complex disease with over 200 different classifications. If you ask any oncologist what are the most important factors in overcoming and preventing cancer, they will tell you diet and nutrition. Simply your lifestyle.

It is a proven fact that most cancers are caused or aggravated by nutritional deficiencies that have accumulated over the years. Therefore, reducing fact intake, eating vegetables and using plant enzyme therapy may be the single most important aspect of preventing cancer. Simply by adding two fruits and three vegetable servings to your diet daily have been shown to have amazing results. Some studies show that eating fruit twice a day can reduce your likelihood of lung cancer alone by nearly 75 percent.

There are known allopathic formulas that have shown positive results in helping systemic cancers of the colon, bowel, stomach organ and lungs, malignant tumors, melanoma, leukemia, and skin cancers. Many have had astounding results using herbal compounds to rebuild the body’s natural system after chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Just as each cancer is different, every herbal formula is different and should be customized by a herbalist for the best and safest results.

Bright blessings,
Ashira Goddard
http://www.ashira.ws
ashira@ashira.ws
Ashira is a Practicing Pagan for over 15 years. Currently she is a featured columnist at Asknow.com.
The Witches’ Child Author
Bacon Bits Author
FFWA Member
Cassel Network of Writers Member

Whenever you have been diagnosed with colon cancer your physician will wish to order various examinations and tests to check the degree or what they call the “stage” that it has progressed to. Naturally, as with any cancer, the earlier it’s discovered the less problematic it will be to treat. Your medical prognosis will depend upon factors such as whether the cancer is in the lining interior of the colon, or has disseminated throughout the body and into additional organs.

Your doctor will additionally base your medical prognosis upon whether or not the cancer has caused a blockage in your intestines. Your physician will also wish to order assorted blood tests to check blood levels of a specific factor. This factor shows up in your bloodstream at distinguishable levels dependent on how far the cancer has progressed. So before advocating any type of treatment your physician will rely to a great extent on your generalized health, whether the cancer has recurred, and what degree the cancer has progressed to.

Staging is what physicians refer to when the examinations that are carried out to find out the degree that cancer has progressed to. You can anticipate the physician to perform a CAT scan, which has a look at the interior of the body by taking pictures and in a few cases they’ll likewise inject a dye to see the interior organs more clearly. The doctor will in all probability also will like to perform a lymph node biopsy. This biopsy removes a few of the malignant cells and they are then viewed under a microscope. Additionally, expect a complete blood count (CBC) to be performed. This will give the physician a great deal of very important information regarding your white and red blood cells and platelets. It also shows to the doctor the levels of CEA that reside in your bloodstream. CEA is discharged into your bloodstream from malignant cells just as well as from normal cells, however, if higher amounts than normal of CEA are found, the doctor can arrive at additional conclusions supported by that information.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will in all likelihood be performed so that all of the cancerous cells may be viewed. A chest x-ray perhaps will be done to see the organs and bones within the chest cavity. Surgery might likewise be scheduled to remove any neoplasms that may be present. These are each required tests that have to be performed so your doctor can fully realize the maturation of the colon cancer and address it to the fullest of his ability.

For more information on the signs and symptoms, treatments and hopeful research options regarding Colon Cancer please visit us at http://www.cancerofcolon.info

You may ask why is chlorine in drinking water? The reason is because chlorine is a highly efficient disinfectant. We need to disinfect our water because of contaminates that are in it. Some of the contaminates are drugs found in drinking water, pesticides from agriculture runoff, lawn chemicals, gasoline to name a few. Virtually everything that goes down the drain, on our lawns or farm fields, or into the environment by any means eventually ends up in the water we drink.

In the early 1900’s before the presence of pesticides, herbicides, tens of thousands of chemicals, and chlorine that we are exposed to in our drinking water, the average American had a 1 in 50 chance of getting cancer. Today that figure is one out of three people are at risk of getting cancer.

In a 1992 study that was reported on in the July issue of the American Journal of Public Health researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee found that people who regularly drink tap water containing high levels of chlorine by-products have a greater risk of developing bladder and rectal cancers than people who drink non-chlorinated water. The study estimates that about 9 percent of all bladder cancer and 18 percent of all rectal cancer cases are associated with long-term consumption of these by-products. This amounts to over 20,000 new cases each year.

Chlorine in drinking water is a weapon against cholera and various other water-borne diseases. Its disinfectant help to provide disease-free tap water to homes and industry. But this disinfecting comes with a price. Just like drugs found in drinking water, chlorine in our drinking water is dangerous.

Chlorine reacts with other naturally occurring elements, like leaves and twigs and other elements to form toxins. These toxins are called trihalomethanes (THM’s). When these THM’s make their way into our bodies, we put ourselves at risk for heart disease, bladder cancer, eczema, and asthma. Dr. Peter Montague of the Environmental Research Foundation cites several studies that show pregnant women who consume moderate to heavy chlorine in drinking water have a higher miscarriage and birth defects rate.

Expended efforts are being done to research better ways than chlorination to disinfect our drinking water. Until then, each of us must protect ourselves. One of the best options to remove the chlorine in drinking water is a carbon-based water filtration system. Carbon-based filters are also the most effective way to remove drugs found in drinking water. You owe it to your health to find a good water filtration system today and install it in your home.

Juanita Ruby is passionate about health. She knows our bodies contain more than 70% water, thus the quality of our water greatly affects our health. Visit her website at http://www.your-best-water-site.com/ to discover which water purification system she trusts to remove the chlorine in drinking water.

The predominant factor that causes mesothelioma cancer is by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos is an insulating material that is composed of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was used extensively for many years because of some desirable properties such as its resistance to melting and resistance to burning. Asbestos has been used extensively in many industrial products such as cement, roof shingles, flooring products, insulation and textiles. Researchers have identified a strong link between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, and so nowadays the material is now less widely used. It is not however totally banned.

Prior to the discovery of the strong correlation (relationship) between mesothelioma and asbestos, millions of individuals have had prolonged exposure to this harmful substance. During the manufacturing process tiny asbestos particles may float in the air, where they may be inhaled. These inhaled asbestos fibers may eventually be embedded in the mesothelium (a protective membrane that covers most of the body’s internal organs, such as the lungs, heart and the stomach) where they may originate into mesothelioma. These particles not only can cause mesothelioma but also other serious health problems such as an increase in the risk of developing lung cancer, asbestosis, and an increase of other cancers in general.

The risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure to it. However it can be said that some individuals have developed mesothelioma by a brief exposure to asbestos while others that have been heavily exposed to it have not developed mesothelioma at all.

Although mesothelioma generally results from occupational exposure, there are situations of exposure to asbestos from the environment that may have caused the disease. Families that may be located near former asbestos production facilities may also be at risk. The demolition of structures that contain asbestos can contaminate nearby families. The family members of asbestos workers may be exposed to asbestos dust that has been brought home on the clothes and hair of asbestos workers. This can cause family members to develop mesothelioma years later. Because of this it is important that asbestos workers take appropriate precautions. For example they may wash themselves and change their clothes on the place of work before going to their homes.

Individuals that have been exposed or think that they have been exposed to airborne asbestos fibers should have regular medical check ups. Any breathing problems should be promptly reported to the physician. Moreover it is important not to smoke since a combination of asbestos and smoking is particularly dangerous.

Although exposure to asbestos is the main cause in the development of mesothelioma cancer, other minor factors can also result in the development of this serious disease.There is some debatable evidence that the SV40 virus (the Simian virus) can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. However research studies gave an incomplete result and so the correlation (realationship) between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear.

Radiation Thorium dioxide (Therotrast) was used in X-ray tests in the past and there is some evidence between this substance and both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Due to this discovery thorium dioxide (Therotrast) has not been used any more.

Zeolite is a silica-based mineral with chemical properties similar to asbestos. It is found in the soil in the region of Anatoli (Turkey). Some mesothelioma cases in this region have been linked to this substance.

Tobacco can also be a factor in the development of mesothelioma. Although cigarette smoking alone does not cause mesothelioma, smoking increases a person’s chances of developing mesothelioma. However, smoking and asbestos exposure not only can cause mesothelioma but also lung cancer.

For more info go to Mesothelioma Cancer.

A prominent agricultural scientist named Dr. Murray Maynard wrote a best selling work called “Sea Energy Agriculture.” A pioneer scientist when it comes to the development of seaponic farming, Dr. Maynard has been praised for his research on trace elements found in sea solids. When used on farmland, sea solids as Dr. Maynard demonstrated, proved to be beneficial not only to the land but to the overall health of the produce.

During his research, Dr. Murray found that sea solids have the most balanced proportion of trace elements, making it more valuable for agriculture than any other type of fertilizer. He also determined that sea water is a natural fertilizing solution. Dr. Murray attributes the longevity and health of sea animals to their interaction with the bountiful minerals found in sea solids and seawater. In his research, Dr. Murray found that different species of fresh water trout commonly die from liver cancer while sea trout never do. Just a coincidence?

Just like living organisms in the sea, the human body needs a perfect balance of trace elements in their diet. Trace elements impact growth and development at all levels of life. Trace elements or “micronutrients” that are essential to our health include iron, iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, cobalt, chromium, fluorine, and molybdenum.

As studies have shown, without the proper trace elements, in the appropriate amount, our health is put at risk. Today, processed foods including nutrient-deficient fruits and vegetables in our diets give reason for major concern that we are no longer receiving the trace elements our bodies need.

Because of chemical fertilizers, erosion and run off, agricultural land has been leached of vital trace elements and minerals. What we get in return is weak, nutrient-deficient fruits and vegetables. And of course, withholding nutrients from our bodies eventually results in a plethora of health problems. Unfortunately, this vicious cycle of nutrient-deficient produce is repeated because farmers continue to use more chemical fertilizers to compensate for their unproductive fields caused by soil that is no longer living. It truly is a vicious cycle!

If you want to make sure you are getting enough trace elements in your diet, start using sea water and sea solid based fertilizers. Not only will it offer you the needed trace elements, but you can enjoy a natural fertilizer without the worry of using harmful chemicals.

What you’ll get in return are plants with beautiful color and extraordinary taste, yet are disease resistant. But best of all, you’ll grow produce that is nutritious and will promote an increase in your general health and well-being.

Christopher A. Williams (aka Natural Fertilizer Guy) edits the website: http://www.safe-fertilizer-reviews.com/articles.html

The website contains articles about natural fertilizers and seaweed based fertilizers, as well as general natural gardening tips.

Studies on whey demonstrate it’s an even better protein supplement than previously thought. Although whey protein’s health benefits have only recently been elucidated, the use of whey protein for medicinal purposes has been prescribed since the time of Hippocrates. In fact, there are two ancient proverbs from the Italian city of Florence that say, “If you want to live a healthy and active life, drink whey,” and, “If everyone were raised on whey, doctors would be bankrupt.”

In previous issues, we’ve chronicled the extensive research showing the many potential health benefits of whey protein concentrate. The majority of that research was done in the 1980s and early 1990s, and was extremely persuasive. Scientists have continued their research on whey proteins with even more impressive results. What follows is some of the more current, interesting and useful research on whey proteins.

Whey and Cancer

Additional studies have been done on animals regarding cancer-causing chemicals to see what effects whey protein concentrate would have on cancer prevention or treatment. Scientists fed rats various proteins and then subjected them to the powerful carcinogen dimethylhydrazine.

As with the previous research, the rats fed whey protein concentrate showed fewer tumors and a reduced pooled area of tumors (tumor mass index). The researchers found whey protein offered “considerable protection to the host” over that of other proteins, including soy.

1. Even more exciting, in vivo research on cancer and whey showed whey protein concentrate inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells at low concentrations (Baruchel S. and Vaiu G., Anti Cancer Research, 1996). Finally, and most importantly, a fairly recent clinical study with cancer patients showed a regression in some patient’s tumors when fed whey protein concentrate at 30 grams per day.

2. Whey and Glutathione

This new research using whey protein concentrate led researchers to an amazing discovery regarding the relationship between cancerous cells, glutathione (GSH) and whey protein concentrate. It was found that whey protein concentrate selectively depletes cancer cells of their glutathione, thus making them more susceptible to cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.

It has been found that cancer cells and normal cells will respond differently to nutrients and drugs that affect glutathione status. What is most interesting to note is the fact that the concentration of glutathione in tumor cells is higher than that of the normal cells that surround it. This difference in glutathione status between normal cells and cancer cells is believed to be an important factor in cancer cells’ resistance to chemotherapy.

As the researchers put it, “Tumor cell GSH concentration may be among the determinants of the cytotoxicity [poisonous to cells] of many chemotherapeutic agents and of radiation, and an increase in GSH concentration appears to be at least one of the mechanisms of acquired drug resistance to chemotherapy.”

They further state, “It is well-known that rapid GSH synthesis in tumor cells is associated with high rates of cellular proliferation. Depletion of tumor GSH in vivo decreases the rate of cellular proliferation and inhibits cancer growth.”

The problem is, it’s difficult to reduce glutathione sufficiently in tumor cells without placing healthy tissue at risk and putting the cancer patient in a worse condition. What is needed is a compound that can selectively deplete the cancer cells of their glutathione, while increasing, or at least maintaining, the levels of glutathione in healthy cells.

This is exactly what whey protein appears to do. In this new research it was found that cancer cells subjected to whey proteins were depleted of their glutathione, and their growth was inhibited, while normal cells had an increase in GSH and increased cellular growth.

These effects were not seen with other proteins. Not surprisingly, the researchers concluded, “Selective depletion of tumor GSH may in fact render cancer cells more vulnerable to the action of chemotherapy and eventually protect normal tissue against the deleterious effects of chemotherapy.” The exact mechanism by which whey protein achieves this is not fully understood, but it appears that it interferes with the normal feedback mechanism and regulation of glutathione in cancer cells.

It is known that glutathione production is negatively inhibited by its own synthesis. Being that baseline glutathione levels in cancer cells are higher than that of normal cells, it is probably easier to reach the level of negative-feedback inhibition in the cancer cells’ glutathione levels than in the normal cells’ glutathione levels.

Whey and LDL Cholesterol

The positive health benefits of whey protein concentrate does not end with its effects on immunity and cancer prevention and treatment. Whey protein concentrate also was found to be a potent inhibitor of oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Current research suggests that the conversion of LDL to oxidized LDL is the trigger that leads to atherogenesis… the formation of the plaque and lesions associated with atherosclerosis.

Therefore, any substance that prevents the oxidation of LDL is thought to be anti-atherogenic. Though animal-based proteins have traditionally been implicated as being pro-atherogenic, whey proteins appear to be an exception to the rule. whey protein is made up of several minor and major fractions, such as beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, albumin, lactoferrin and immunoglobulin. It was discovered that the minor constituent responsible for the ability of whey protein concentrate to prevent the oxidation of LDL appears to be the lactoferrin fraction of the protein.

3. Lactoferrin In Whey

When the lactoferrin was removed from the protein, the ability of the whey-protein concentrate to prevent LDL oxidation was greatly reduced, leading the researchers to speculate, “Our results suggest that LF (lactoferrin) is the main factor responsible for the inhibitory effect of whey protein (on LDL) and it may function synergistically together with other factors in the whey protein, for example, alpha-lactalbumin.”

Another study using rats examined the effects of whey protein concentrate and casein on cholesterol and the risk factors of heart disease. Though casein (another milk-based protein commonly used in research) is known to raise cholesterol in humans and animals, whey protein has the opposite effect, leading the researchers to note, “At the high dietary protein level [300 gram per kilogram of feed] , whey protein significantly lowered plasma and liver cholesterol and also plasma triacylglycerols.”

4. The cholesterol-lowering effects of whey protein concentrate in this study also was associated with a reduction in LDL cholesterol. Most interesting was the fact that this effect on cholesterol was not seen when the animals were fed amino acid mixtures that simulated whey protein, so it is clear that there are properties within the whey that have these effects beyond that of its amino acid profile.

Whey and Bone Growth

Finally, whey protein appears to play a direct role in bone growth. Researchers found that rats fed whey protein concentrate showed increased bone strength and bone protein such as collagen. This discovery led researches to test whether or not whey protein directly stimulated osteoblast (bone cell) growth in vitro.

Whey protein was found to stimulate, dose dependently, total protein synthesis, DNA content, and increased hydroxyproline contents of bone cells.

5. It should be noted that not all whey protein concentrates are created equal. Processing whey protein to remove the lactose and fats without losing its biological activity takes special care by the manufacturer. The protein must be processed under low temperature and low acid conditions so as not to “denature” the protein. Maintaining the natural state of the protein is essential to its biological activity.
These research findings, combined with the previous decade of study on whey protein, should convince anyone that whey protein concentrate is truly the life-extension protein.

Higher Glutathione Levels and Whey

A decade-and-a-half of findings on the benefits of whey protein are far-reaching.

Previous Studies Include The Following:

Whey protein concentrate dramatically raises glutathione levels. Glutathione is an essential water-soluble antioxidant in the body that protects cells and serves as a primary detoxifier of harmful compounds such as peroxides, heavy metals, carcinogens and other toxins.

Glutathione also is intimately tied to immunity, and reduced glutathione levels have been associated with disease such as AIDS, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, to name only a few. In fact, glutathione levels appear to be one way of modulating immunity.

6. Whey protein concentrate was found to consistently raise this extremely important immune stimulating antioxidant beyond that of any protein studied (including soy) to higher than normal levels in multiple animal studies.

7. A small pilot study with HIV-positive men who were fed whey protein concentrate found dramatic increases in glutathione levels of all the study participants, with two out of three men reaching their ideal body weight.

8. In fact, there have been several U.S. and international patents granted for the treatment of AIDS and improving immunity with whey protein concentrates.Whey protein improves immune function and fights infections. Animals fed whey protein concentrate consistently showed dramatic enhancement of both the humoral and cellular immune response to a variety of immune challenges, such as salmonella, streptococcus pneumonia 9 and extreme cancer-causing chemicals. This effect on immunity was not seen with other proteins. So proof Whey protein concentrate fights cancer!!

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